Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.
Where’s the best place to get ready for Christmas?
“Nowhere gets you into the Christmas spirit quite like Mayfair,” he says. “And Brown’s Hotel is the perfect base. Their partnerships with London’s finest ateliers make everything wonderfully easy - a suit fitting at Huntsman, where I’ve been going since they opened in 1849. They’ve long mastered the art of tailoring my red suit with a little extra room around the middle each December - all those mince pies take their toll. A boot polish at John Lobb and a quick hat brush at Lock & Co. ensure I’m looking my best for the big night. And, as most know, I have a sweet tooth, so I can never resist ending the day by the fire in The Drawing Room with their festive afternoon tea.
After a long night with the sleigh, where do you go for a well-earned nightcap?
“Brussels always makes a fine midway pause,” he says with a knowing smile. “Hotel Amigo has long been one of my favourites, it’s so close to the Grand-Place, one of the best reference points from up high, and I very much enjoy visiting Bar Magritte incognito.” In this Art Deco-jewel, in the heart of the hotel, the menu, created with Maestro Salvatore Calabrese, is inspired by Magritte’s art and the golden age he lived through. “I knew Magritte, you know,” Father Christmas notes knowingly. "We often played chess together - he was hopeless on the board, but marvellous with a brush.”
“Normally I’d choose something from the classics,” he admits, “but as I’m driving, I opt for the Battle of Argonne - a non-alcoholic blend of strawberries, juniper and Champagne reduction that keeps me safely on course.”
Where do you find the most traditional Christmas atmosphere?
“I’ve seen my fair share of Christmas markets,” he laughs, “but nothing beats Munich. The scent of roasted almonds and spice, steaming mugs of Glühwein, the carols through Marienplatz. It’s truly wonderful, and I should know - I’ve been going for hundreds of years!”
He leans back, as if picturing it.“The famous Christkindlmarkt was first held to honour St Nicholas - my earlier self, you might say - so it feels only right that I’m at home there. I tend to leave Rudolph and the reindeer at The Charles Hotel, it’s right beside the Old Botanical Garden, so there’s plenty of space for them to rest while I do a spot of Christmas shopping for the elves - they’re quite partial to Lebkuchen.”
Where’s the best rooftop to park the sleigh and enjoy the view?
“Rome,” he says without hesitation. “The Eternal City never disappoints. I like to make a stop at Hotel de la Ville’s Cielo Bar, high above the Spanish Steps, where you can see it all - St Peter’s dome, the Vatican, the Seven Hills in the distance. Their Sunset Boogie cocktail is the perfect choice for golden hour.” With a twinkle in his eye, he adds, “There’s something about this view that’s so beautiful, it’s where I usually call Mrs Claus to check in - she says Rome brings out my romantic side.”
And once all the presents are delivered, where do you go to truly rest and recharge?
“Sicily, without question,” he says. “After a winter in the snow, a little Mediterranean sun does wonders. Verdura Resort is my place to reset - Mrs Claus joins me there each year. She’s the adventurous one, off horse riding through the citrus groves or quad biking among the olive trees, while I prefer to take things easier. I love playing a round of golf on their championship courses; otherwise, I retreat to the Irene Forte Spa for the ultimate in relaxation. I particularly enjoy that all of the treatments use Irene Forte Skincare, which is packed with botanicals grown in the resort's organic garden, great for skin that’s usually used to chillier climates.”
From Mayfair to the Mediterranean, follow in Father Christmas’s well-travelled footsteps and discover Rocco Forte Hotels’ inspiring destinations this festive season.
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